Library

At Charlton Manor, we see our library as a sanctuary. It is a place where our children can relax and read for pleasure, share stories with their friends, discuss what they are reading or sit in silence and get lost in a book.

The library is a core part of our commitment to Reading for Pleasure, and every class visits the library for 30 minutes on a bi-weekly basis. We want children to understand that while reading is an essential life skill, it is also something to be enjoyed, shared and cherished. When children are in the library, they are not answering comprehension questions or being told what they have to read. Instead, they are engaging with reading as a purely pleasurable experience, and one which can broaden and deepen their understanding of people and the world. They are able to pick any book off the shelf or, if they prefer, to bring their own book from home and enjoy reading it in a quiet and relaxing environment.

The library is a serene space that we want our children to enjoy and take pride in. We have worked hard to ensure that our library is not only well-stocked with a wide variety of fiction, non-fiction and poetry, but also that it is a comfortable, calm and welcoming space. Children can sit on cushions or bean bags, and there are a range of cuddly toys to keep our children company as they read.

During library sessions, teachers and teaching assistants can also help children to find books that they will enjoy. By discussing book choices with children and having conversations with them about different authors, genres and subjects, our staff are able to guide children towards books which are relevant and interesting to them.

By promoting reading as an activity which is inherently pleasurable for its own sake, we hope that our library sessions – and the library itself – can help and encourage all of our children and start them on their journeys to becoming lifelong readers.